Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife

Margaret River - Self Drive

Day 1: Perth. On arrival in Perth, pick up your rental car from the airport and drive to the city centre.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room)

Day 2: Perth & Margaret River. Drive to the beautiful Margaret River region. The journey should take around three hours. Enjoy a morning walk along coastal trails keeping an eye out for migrating whales. In the afternoon, you might like to visit some of the region's famous wineries, take a walk on the scenic Cape to Cape coastal track, explore the wild karri forests or just relax on one of the many picture-perfect white sand beaches.

Accommodation: Cape Lodge (Lodge Suite) | Meals: B

Day 3: Margaret River. Enjoy a day of leisure in the Margaret River. Originally a chilled-out surfie town, this region has evolved into the ultimate smorgasbord of good food, fine wine and spectacular scenery. There's a fine supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, and restaurants overlooking sweeping vineyards and surf breaks. The wine is top-notch - the region produces less than one per cent of Australian wine but over 15 per cent of the country's premium wine. And with 60 plus wineries to choose from, you won't be stuck for choice.

Accommodation: Cape Lodge (Lodge Suite) | Meals: B

Dunsborough or August Whale Watching - Shared Tour

Day 4: Margaret River Whale Watching. After boarding your luxurious and spacious vessel mid-morning or mid-afternoon, your passionate and expert crew will commence an exciting and informative presentation, delving into the biology and ecology of the great whales that are migrating through the area, as well as information about the other marine and birdlife that visitors are likely to encounter.

From mid-May to mid-August, the picturesque seaside town of Augusta is one of the best locations in Australia to view Humpback Whales as they make their epic migration north, filling the beautiful Flinders Bay area.

From mid-August to late November, you can experience the southern migration of the great whales from Dunsborough, with many mothers in tow with their calves. From this region, the whales return to the feeding grounds of Antarctica, with the opportunity to spot massive Blue Whales in the calm waters of Geographe Bay, as they too head south. Aside from the incredible whale encounters, you may also spot Long-nosed Fur Seals, White-bellied Sea-Eagles, Ospreys, petrels, shearwaters, Australasian Gannets and dolphins.

Accommodation: Cape Lodge (Lodge Suite) | Meals: B

Day 5: Perth. Return to Perth and drop off your rental car, overnight stay. Not far from the city centre is Kings Park, boasting a mixture of parkland, botanical gardens and native bushland and has panoramic views of Perth city, Swan River and the Darling Range. Kings Park is home to over 300 native plant varieties and 80 bird species and also contains the State War Memorial. Or perhaps enjoy lunch at the elegant Indiana Tea House overlooking sparkling Cottesloe Beach on the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room) | Meals: B

Port Lincoln & Coffin Bay - Private Tour

Day 6: Port Lincoln. Fly to Adelaide and connect through to Port Lincoln.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel (Ocean View Balcony Room) | Meals: B

Day 7: Coffin Bay. Upon arrival in Port Lincoln, you will be welcomed by your personal guide and taken on a scenic drive through Sugar Gums and agricultural lands to Big Swamp Wetland. This area is home to endangered bird species and is a haven for birdwatchers. The culinary journey begins in Coffin Bay, renowned for its world-famous oysters. Embark on an hour-long tour with a local oyster farmer, learning about Pacific and Native Angasi oysters while sampling them fresh from the water. Following the oyster experience, a gourmet seafood platter lunch is enjoyed in the heart of picturesque Coffin Bay. The day continues with a visit to Coffin Bay National Park, where you will explore the park's rich biodiversity. In addition to its culinary highlights, the tour offers opportunities to spot a variety of birds, including White-bellied Sea Eagles and Ospreys, as well as marine mammals like Australian Sea-lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, making it a perfect blend of nature and gourmet delights.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel (Ocean View Balcony Room) | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Lincoln National Park. The day begins at Tulka, a coastal hamlet where guests can observe waders, Black Swans, and seabirds from a bird hide. The area, once explored by Captain Matthew Flinders in 1802, is also known for sightings of Southern Emu Wrens. Next, guests explore the diverse Port Lincoln National Park, where rugged cliffs offer views of Ospreys, White-bellied Sea Eagles, and Swamp Harriers. At Memory Cove, bird enthusiasts can spot species like Purple-gaped Honeyeaters and Striated Pardalotes. Guests may also choose to hike to Stamford Hill Lookout for stunning views of Boston Bay and the park. The park's wildlife includes Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals, dolphins, kangaroos, and even migrating Southern Right Whales from May to August. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Mikkira Station to visit a wild koala colony. Surrounded by old Eucalyptus trees, guests can also observe kangaroos, emus, and rare native birds while enjoying a platter of local produce and wine as the sun sets. In the evening, fly to Adelaide.

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room) | Meals: BL

Barossa & McLaren Vale - Self Drive

Day 9: Barossa. Drive north for approximately one hour to Australia's wine mecca. Spend time tasting some of Australia’s premium wines including Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon, across over 80 cellar doors whilst enjoying sumptuous local produce. Take the rare and special opportunity to step inside a working vineyard and learn how the science and hard work of grape growing has, for generations, supported the art and magic of winemaking in the Barossa. Or be guided through a food and wine matching class, perhaps with a focus on cheese, chocolate or even tea blending.

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room) | Meals: B

Day 10: McLaren Vale. Drive south to the picturesque McLaren Vale wine region with over 50 small to medium wineries. It is situated near the coast hence the area has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Tours of the McLaren Vale wine region feature some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Wineries include Wirra Wirra, d'Arenberg, Coriole and the historic Hardy's Winery. Other attractions include the Olive Grove and Medlow Fine Gels. Return to Adelaide late afternoon for your flight to Hobart.

Accommodation: MACq01 (Premium Waterfront Suite) | Meals: B

Tasmanian Gourmet Sampler - Private Tour

Day 11: MONA. Start your day with an introductory tour of Tasmania's capital. Hobart is a quaint city that features many preserved colonial sandstone buildings. The vibrant waterfront was once the hub of a thriving whaling industry. Stroll through nearby Battery Point, where the historic buildings vary from grand homes to humble worker's cottages. Then travel to Cambridge and visit Spring Bay Distillery for a distillery tour and tasting before a light lunch is served in a local restaurant in Richmond. Discover the charming historic village of Richmond. As you stroll around, its well-preserved colonial architecture becomes immersed in the nostalgia of colonial times. Later this afternoon, visit Sullivan's Cove's French Oak Cask, winner of the 2014 World Whisky Award for best single malt and hear about the craft of whisky distillation at the historic cellar door. After you have been fortified with a taste of their single malt, continue to Lark Distillery, the oldest and still family-run distillery in Tasmania, before returning to your accommodation.

Accommodation: MACq01 (Premium Waterfront Suite) | Meals: BL

Day 12: MONA. Begin the day with a visit to Tasmania's second-oldest winery, including wine tastings. You'll also receive a beautifully packaged bottle from the Muse series. Enjoy a sumptuous 2-course lunch featuring seasonal local produce and paired wines at MONA's flagship restaurant, The Source. After lunch, explore MONA, the Museum of Old & New Art, renowned for its unique and provocative exhibits. Discover Australia's largest private art collection, showcasing an intriguing mix of ancient and contemporary art. In the afternoon, check into your accommodation at Hobart's lively waterfront.

Accommodation: MACq01 (Premium Waterfront Suite) | Meals: BL

Day 13: Mt Field National Park. After breakfast, continue your journey through the scenic Derwent Valley, known for its orchards, hop fields, and charming historical touches. Upon arriving at Mount Field National Park, you'll be captivated by the diverse landscapes, from temperate eucalyptus rainforests to alpine moorlands. Your guide will lead you on a rainforest walk to see Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the Tall Trees—some of the world's tallest flowering trees. Enjoy lunch at the Agrarian Kitchen, a renowned Tasmanian establishment led by chef Rodney Dunn. Later, visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to encounter Tasmanian Devils, wombats, quolls, and other native Australian animals. Learn about the important work the sanctuary does in researching and protecting Tasmania's wildlife.

Accommodation: MACq01 (Premium Waterfront Suite) | Meals: BL

Tasmanian Gourmet Sampler - Private Tour

Day 14: Bruny Island. This morning, take a short walk to Franklin Wharf to board the Seafood Seduction Cruise. Begin your adventure at Hobart's waterfront, cruising down the River Derwent to Bruny Island. Enjoy breathtaking views of the island's coastal geology as you embark on this unique experience. Visit a local salmon farm and harvest oysters fresh from the sea. Watch as your guide dives for abalone and sea urchins and retrieves a crayfish pot. Stretch your legs with a stroll along one of Bruny's pristine, secluded beaches. Back on board, indulge in a seafood BBQ featuring Tasmania's finest produce, complemented by local wines, before returning to Hobart in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: MACq01 (Premium Waterfront Suite) | Meals: BL

Day 15. Freycinet. Today, you'll travel to Tasmania's sunny East Coast, passing through charming coastal villages such as Orford, Triabunna, and Swansea. Visit a local chocolate factory to meet the maker and savour some delightful treats. Then, visit premier cellar doors to sample Tasmania's renowned cold-climate wines. After lunch, explore Freycinet National Park and hike to the Wineglass Bay lookout for breathtaking views of one of the world's top ten beaches and the Tasman Sea. 

Accommodation: Freycinet Lodge (Mountain Terrace Room) | Meals: BL

Day 16. Launceston. After breakfast leave the unsurpassed beauty of Tasmania's East Coast and make your way into the picturesque northern Tasmania wine region, home to the state-of-the-art winery Josef Chromy situated in the estates' original 1880s homestead. Your guides will take you through the history of Josef Chromy Wines, introduce you to the ampelography vineyard and showcase their traditional method of sparkling before heading back to the cellar door for a wine-tasting flight and a two-course lunch of fine Tasmanian produce with matched wines in the Josef Chromy Wines Restaurant. Visit the scenic Cataract Gorge, where the South Esk River forces its way through sheer rocky cliffs before your guide bids you farewell either at your accommodation or the airport.

Meals: BL